Red flag causes of vomiting in infants.

Abstract

Vomiting is a common presentation in infants and is mostly due to a benign cause. Although vomiting is usually considered to be gastrointestinal in origin, it can be due to dysfunction of other organ systems, some of which may be life threatening. Community practitioners are often the first health professionals to come across these infants. They should assess these infants keeping in mind the 'red flags'. Suspicion of a serious disorder should be followed by prompt referral to a medical professional. This article aims to highlight the commonly encountered causes of vomiting in infants and provides some suggestions to be followed by community practitioners while dealing with an infant presenting with vomiting.